Steps to registering a limited partnership

The name of the limited partnership must include the words 'Limited Partnership' or the abbreviation 'LP' or 'L.P.' at the end of the name.

We won't register a limited partnership with a name:

• the use of which would contravene an enactment
• that is identical to, or almost identical to, the name of a company registered under the Companies Act 1993, or another limited partnership, or an overseas limited partnership registered under this Act
• that, in our opinion, is offensive.

Before you apply for registration, we strongly recommend that you conduct a free search to ensure that your chosen name is not identical or almost identical to the name of a company, limited partnership or overseas limited partnership that already exists on the register. This will avoid delays in registering a limited partnership.

A limited partnership must have:

• a registered office address
• an address for service
• a postal address
• an email address.

All of these address types are mandatory.

The registered office address and address for service must be physical addresses in New Zealand. They can't be a Private Bag or DX, or a virtual office (mail or message collection point).

If the registered office and address for service is at the offices of a chartered accountant or lawyer, or at the offices of any other person, then full details are required, such as the name of the firm, including details of the location.

The postal address may be either a postal address (for example, a PO Box) or residential address.

The general partner/agent must certify that the proposed partners of the limited partnership have entered into a partnership agreement, and that it complies with the Limited Partnership Act 2008.

The limited partnership must have at least one general partner that lives in NZ, or who lives in Australia and is a director of a company incorporated in Australia. Each general partner must sign a general partner consent form.

You'll be required to provide the following information about general and limited partners:

Individuals

1. Full legal name of the individual (first, middle, last)
2. If the general partner is acting as a trustee of a trust, the name of the trust
3. Residential address
4. Email address (not mandatory and not made public)
5. Date and place of birth
6. For general partners, if their address is in Australia, whether the person is a director of an Australian company. If so, you'll need to provide the ASIC company name and Australian Company Number (ACN)
7. General partners also need to upload a signed consent form (see below).

New Zealand company and limited partnership

The New Zealand company name has a company 'look-up' facility. This means when you enter the company name or NZBN, the remaining information is populated for you.

The only additional information you'll need to provide is, where applicable, the name of a trust, and the email address (this is not mandatory and not made public).

For more information on general partner requirements go to General partners, requirements and disqualifications.

When a general partner is an 'other entity'

If a general partner is classified as an 'other entity', you'll be required to provide additional information about them. An 'other entity' is any entity that is not registered as a New Zealand company or limited partnership.